Thalassemia in SouthEast Asia: problems and strategy for prevention and control.
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
;
1992 Dec; 23(4): 647-55
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-35301
ABSTRACT
In Southeast Asia alpha-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia, hemoglobin (Hb) E and Hb Constant Spring are prevalent. The gene frequencies of alpha-thalassemia reach 30-40% in Northern Thailand and Laos. beta-Thalassemia gene frequencies vary between 1 and 9%. Hb E is the hallmark of Southeast Asia attaining a frequency of 50-60% at the junction of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Hb Constant Spring gene frequencies vary between 1 and 8%. These abnormal genes in different combinations lead to over 60 different thalassemia syndromes. The four major thalassemic diseases are Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis (homozygous alpha-thalassemia 1), homozygous beta-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia/Hb E and Hb H diseases. The molecular basis of most of these abnormal genes have been recently described. Therefore, it is possible to set a strategy for prevention and control of thalassemia which includes population screening for heterozygotes, genetic counseling and fetal diagnosis with selective abortion of affected pregnancies.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Asia, Southeastern
/
Humans
/
Health Education
/
Beta-Thalassemia
/
Alpha-Thalassemia
/
Genetic Counseling
/
Health Planning
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
Year:
1992
Type:
Article
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